Raiders rookie running back Josh Jacobs returns to practice

Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) hands off to Oakland Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)

Photo: Reed Hoffmann / Associated Press

Running back Josh Jacobs took a positive step Wednesday toward playing in the Raiders’ home finale.

Jacobs, who was inactive for Sunday’s loss to the Titans with a shoulder injury, was cleared to take part in the Raiders’ walkthrough practice Wednesday. He was listed as limited.

Jacobs has been playing with what he specified as a fractured shoulder since Week 7. Head coach Jon Gruden, however, said Monday that the Raiders do not intend to shut down Jacobs, their leading rusher and the 24th overall pick in this year’s draft.

Gruden said Wednesday he was not ready to declare Jacobs a go Sunday against the Jaguars.

“Today, he’s made some improvement,” Gruden said, “but he still has to go out there and move explosively tomorrow, Friday, and do the things a running back has to do to play in this league and protect himself in this league.”

Right tackle Trent Brown (pectoral) did not practice Wednesday. Gruden said Brown is “getting a little bit better, but he’s not ready to roll yet.” Cornerback Daryl Worley (neck), linebackers Marquel Lee (toe) and Kyle Wilber (ankle) and receiver Hunter Renfrow (rib) were also held out.

Roster moves: With three open roster spots, the Raiders signed free-agent tight end Eric Tomlinson and defensive lineman Olsen Pierre and promoted cornerback Nick Nelson from the practice squad.

Tuesday’s roster cuts included safety D.J. Swearinger, who started the Raiders’ past three games. Gruden said Worley and Dallin Leavitt could replace Swearinger at safety.

The Raiders also signed tight end Paul Butler, offensive lineman Kyle Kalis and linebacker Te’von Coney to their practice squad and released practice-squad tight end Cole Wick.